A hiker died in Washington state after being swept away by rushing river waters inside Mount Rainier National Park.
Park officials on Sunday said the woman was swept away Wednesday while attempting to cross the West Fork of the White River while hiking the Northern Loop Trail.
In a release by the National Park Service, Pierce County medical examiner identified the woman as a 22-year-old Chinese national who was attending university in the United States.
Other hikers watched the woman get swept away but could not locate her. They reported the incident to park officials and a search crew was launched using a helicopter and hikers on foot.
A ground crew found her body Friday with assistance from a King County Sheriff's Office helicopter, about 150 yards below the Northern Loop Trail where she entered the water. Crews confirmed her body was caught up in river debris, including downed trees called strainers. Strainers are one of the most dangerous features found on a river.
"River crossings can be extremely hazardous this time of the year," said Park Superintendent Chip Jenkins in a news release. "These cold, swift flowing waters require a high level of caution, even for those hikers with extensive experience, knowledge and skills."
Mountain Rainier Park officials recommend hikers scout the area before crossing any streams. They advise the following tips:
- Look for log jams, waterfalls and other hazards then locating an area where you could exit the river should you fall in. Smooth bottoms and low water areas are typically the best places to cross. River levels are generally at their lowest in the early morning.
- It's a good idea to unfasten the belt of your pack so that you can separate from your pack should you fall into the water, and carry a sturdy stick to maintain two points of contact with the ground at all times.
- Always listen for the sounds of large rocks and boulders getting moved around in the river, this means the water is strong and fast.
- Exercise extreme caution whenever deciding to cross a river. If conditions appear too hazardous or above your skill level, you should turn back and take an alternate route.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
